One man who will taking a particularly keen interest in tomorrow’s televised clash between United & Chesterfield will be John Turner, a man who played for both sides.
Gateshead-born goalkeeper Turner enjoyed fine spells at both clubs, having 76 league appearances at Plainmoor between 1978-1980 ahead of making the switch to Chesterfield, prior to a return to United in 1983, when he would enjoy another 34 Division Four games in between the sticks.
Tomorrow will see both sides face up to each other in the late National League kick-off, which is being shown LIVE via BT Sport in Boots & Laces.
Now back at Torquay United as the Club’s Matchday Bars Manager, John will often be seen in the Gulls Nest fulfilling those duties whilst trying to take in as much action out on the pitch as possible, and whilst split loyalties may have been an understandable dilemma tomorrow, Turner makes it quite clear who he would be favouring come 5:20pm on Saturday.
“I’m a Sunderland boy, so they are my first team, but my next team is Torquay United, definitely. It was really Torquay that was the platform for my career, where I became important to the crowd. They made me confident as a goalkeeper, and took to me.
“I saw most of the second half [v Southend], and I was very impressed. I enjoyed it, they attacked, they were onto them, and they were like tigers – it was a thoroughly deserved result. Obviously Chesterfield will be favourites, because they are flying and will be at home, but we need a good result to get on a roll again and catch them. I’ll be hoping that our goalkeeper will be keeping a clean sheet away from home, because if you keep a clean sheet, you don’t get beat!”
Tomorrow, supporters will be able to enjoy the match on the big screen in Boots & Laces whilst enjoying a fantastic ‘Pasty & Drink’ offer for just £5. A half-time 50/50 draw will also add a further element of Plainmoor’s usual matchday experience to those in attendance, with United’s former custodian looking forward to welcoming the Yellow Army to watch an away game in familiar surroundings.
“Hopefully we’ll get a few in, get a good atmosphere, and of course keep that clean sheet!”
For full details of tomorrow’s event in Boots & Laces, please click here.